When I was 12, I wanted to work at the music store more than anything. I had no idea how to get a job, and no idea what I would do there. I just loved making music and wanted to be around it. I talked to everyone about it, spent time there every chance I got, and made friends with people that worked there.

When I was 17, I wanted to marry Valerie more than anything. I had no idea how to be a husband, and no idea how I would convince her to like me that much. I just loved her and wanted to be around her. I talked to everyone about her, spent time with her every chance I got, and made friends with her people.

When I was 20, I wanted to be a pilot. I had no idea how to be a pilot, where I would get the money, or when I would finish. I just loved watching things fly. I talked to everyone about it, spent time at the airport every chance I got, and made friends with other pilots.

When I was 21 I wanted to be a business consultant… Are you seeing where this is going?

I landed a part time job at the music store when I was 15, worked my way up to a sales position two years after that. It was the most fun job a young guy could have.

I married Valerie. Life with her is more amazing than I could have ever dreamed.

I’ve since flown hundreds of hours in private helicopters and airplanes and developed some of my best friends through aviation. It’s a joy that absolutely never gets old. I’ll take my final test for an airplane license next week.

I’ve since been paid to consult over 500 companies, and have learned the most intricate and fascinating sides of their operations, people, and methods. And I now have a business of my own.

The point is this: These were all dreams that seemed unrealistic at the time I had them. I’ve felt extremely lucky to see them come true, but in hindsight I’ve put my finger on the accidental process that has led to every one of them:

1. I talked about it to everyone and myself obsessively
2. I spent time around it and everything related to them
3. I made friends with people who were connected to my dreams

These were my big dreams and schemes; I’ve obsessed over them in this way, and it has worked out beautifully.

What are yours? Are you obsessing over them?

Forget the logic of living the dream. Just start living it. Talk about it, spend time around it, and make friends around it. The hard work required will come naturally when you do this.

And pretty soon you’ll wake up at your dream job, cruising in an airplane, or maybe even next to a beautiful wife.